Land Securities Group PLC in partnership with Bovis Lend Lease and the BBC, announced that the construction of BBC Scotland's new five storey digital broadcast center at Pacific Quay in Glasgow is now finished and ready for the technical fit-out to begin. The design and build contract was completed on time and on budget.
During a formal hand-over to BBC Scotland on 2nd August, Ken MacQuarrie, Controller BBC Scotland said: "Our vision for a world class headquarters connecting all of our BBC centres across Scotland and enhancing our visibility to our audiences is nearing reality. This magnificent building offers us a unique opportunity to create a working environment which will shape the future of broadcasting, inspire our staff and welcome our audiences to come in and see their BBC."
Situated on the banks of the River Clyde and next to Glasgow's Science Centre, the 34,000 m² building, designed by leading international architect David Chipperfield, incorporates three key elements:digital broadcasting facilities, flexible offices/creative spaces and substantial public areas. To provide an inviting environment for BBC visitors and staff, the 543 m² public reception area will feature leading edge interactive displays and a cafe.
The arresting building is clad predominantly with a triple-glazed system which provides a natural air-conditioning system. A defining feature is an internal, stepped 'street' that rises throughout the entire length of the design, housing acoustically sensitive studios underneath and providing break-out spaces and informal meeting areas on top.
Geoff Taylor, Head of Project Management Land Securities, BBC Scotland's Property Developer is delighted with the result: "The completion of Pacific Quay, to schedule and budget, is a major achievement, which is testament to the teamwork and energy of everyone involved. This development is another example of how the partnership between the BBC, Land Securities and Bovis Lend Lease is delivering modern facilities to meet the Corporation's long term objectives."
Design and build contractor Bovis Lend Lease employed up to 680 people at a peak on the project, many of them working for local contractors. Gordon Anderson, Bovis Lend Lease's Operations Director for Scotland, said: "This building is a striking new contribution to Glasgow's architectural heritage and we are proud to have built it. The work involved many traditional construction skills combined with sophisticated technical installations in readiness for the BBC's fit-out programme. It's our third major project for the BBC and it ran very successfully from the outset with true co-operation from everyone concerned and a real will to make this a winner."
BBC Scotland's new broadcast centre will be the world's first fully digital operation with high definition capabilities. As the prime systems integrator, Siemens Business Services will be responsible for delivery of the complete technology solution. They will begin the fit-out immediately.
New technology to be implemented includes digital production and post-production (including graphics and dubbing) radio production and studios, TV studios, presentation and playout facilities, a digital library and rich media search infrastructure.
In line with its strategy to direct more money into programme making, BBC Scotland raised the €191.31 million finance for the new building through a Bond Issue. The complex will place BBC Scotland at the heart of unique urban media community of broadcasting and digital media production companies.
Source: Land Securities
